Lynn Sanderson, Author at Ellingham Hall - Page 3 of 4 - Northumberland and Scottish Borders Weddings

Author Archives: Lynn Sanderson

A Four-Year wait, but the Brides still ready to Party!

Leanne & Joel

16^th August 2022

Original Wedding Date: 11th April 2020
Second Wedding Date: 14th April 2021

A romantic proposal in the Big Apple inspired Joel and Leanne to use New York as the theme for their wedding breakfast, with each table named after famous places in the city.

Leanne’s love of stationery inspired plenty of stylish and quirky touches for their special day. “When we have dinner parties, I always dress the table and go above and beyond, which I wanted to continue for our much-awaited wedding!”

The couple had originally planned to marry in Easter 2020 and Leanne had ordered personalized egg cups to use as favours, however a further two date changes due to the pandemic meant that the wedding took place in August 2022 instead.

Putting their personal stamp on the wedding ran throughout the day – right up until the evening when Leanne pulled on a dazzling jumpsuit in preparation to party the night away.

She says, “I wanted to be more comfortable for the evening. We booked the After Dark experience to extend our party until 2am and I didn’t want to restrict anyone who might be worried about stepping on my train!”

Notes from the Bride

Why did you choose Ellingham Hall?

We viewed quite a lot of wedding venues in the North East. We wanted to find somewhere none of our friends had been married at, as we are all at that age when a lot of our friends are also planning their weddings. We’d never heard of Ellingham Hall but spotted it when going to see another venue, and we are so pleased that we did!

What was your first impression?

When we walked in it felt so friendly, it didn’t feel intimidating. When you walk into some venues, you don’t always get a warm feeling from staff, as it’s just a place where they work. But at Ellingham Hall, we felt we were walking into our home.

As soon as we walked in, we fell in love. We absolutely loved everything about it. And when we found out that you could have a full weekend wedding experience, we thought that would be brilliant.

And did we meet your expectations?

It was even better than I expected! There was a lot of refurbishments that took place at the venue, between the time we booked in 2018 and our wedding in August 2022!

Covid meant we had to move our wedding three times because there were so many postponed weddings that needed rescheduling, but David the General Manager was amazing. He totally got it and what we wanted. David and his team did everything they could to make sure we got everything we originally envisioned. I’ve heard of horror stories from people about other wedding venues in the North East, so I was so thankful that Ellingham Hall’s team and David looked after us so well.

Any standout moments?

The ceremony! The atmosphere was just amazing. Our guests were singing and there was so much confetti – it was outrageous.

So, you created a wedding Instagram account?

I wanted to create a journey from our engagement and planning as something to look back on. But it turned out to be a great forum for chatting about ideas with other brides who were getting married at Ellingham Hall and other wedding venues in the North East. I learnt a lot from it, particularly how lucky we were with Ellingham’s wedding planners, who ensured our wedding plan gave us what we wanted. Not everyone was as fortunate at other venues.

Would you do it all again?

I would! But I would also love to relive it as a guest. Everyone loved it so much and commented on how amazing Ellingham Hall was, particularly the staff, the food… well everything! It’s a real credit to the team. I keep asking friends to get married at Ellingham Hall so we can visit again!

If you are searching for the best wedding venues in the North East, contact our wedding planning team today and let us make your wedding dreams come true!

Credits

Photographer – Focal Point Photography

Videographer – Hello There Films

Registrar – Northumberland Registrars

Wedding Dress – Alice Elizabeth Bridal

Flowers – Floral Grace

Décor – The Whole Sch-Bang

MUA – Labelle Vous

Cake – Sugar Chic

Reception Band – Samantha Durnan

Cocktail Hour Music – Glen R Music

Singing Waiters – Waiter Surprise

Evening Band – Hip Operation

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20th April 2025

Five Reasons to choose a Spring Wedding

About Inspiration News Weddings

Spring weddings in the UK are increasing in popularity, check out our five reasons to choose a spring wedding!

26th March 2025

Distance is no object when planning a Spring Wedding

News Real Weddings Spring Weddings Weddings

The 300 mile distance between home & Ellingham Hall was no obstacle for Rachel & Jordan’s beautiful Spring Wedding

28th February 2025

Spring Wedding Plan changes for the Best!

News Real Weddings Spring Weddings Weddings

Alanah and Scott Wallace were planning their spring wedding, Alanah already had the perfect wedding venue in mind but everything changed!

23rd January 2025

Couples Trip from Scotland for Dream Wedding, Hits all the Right Notes!

News Real Weddings Summer Weddings Weddings

Rachel and Michael Moran headed south from Scotland for their dream wedding at Ellingham Hall in Northumberland.

31st December 2024

Living the American Dream on their Two Night Wedding at Ellingham!

Autumn Weddings News Real Weddings Weddings

Natasha & Phil lived the American Dream when they chose to have their amazing two night wedding at Ellingham Hall in Northumberland.

29th November 2024

Colours Prove Golden for this Autumn Wedding Celebration!

Autumn Weddings News Real Weddings Weddings

Ellingham Hall’s creeping Virginia gave a gorgeous glow to the Hall, providing a perfect backdrop for Alexandra and David’s Autumn Wedding.

29th October 2024

A Colourful Infusion for a Summer Wedding Weekend

News Real Weddings Summer Weddings Weddings

Fun, bright colours met a traditional elegant backdrop for Lewis and Rebecca’s stylish summer wedding weekend at Ellingham Hall.

30th September 2024

Church Wedding gets Ellingham Hall’s blessing!

News Real Weddings Spring Weddings Weddings

Rachael had dreamed of a Church wedding, but the couple also needed a venue with plenty accommodation for family and friends – Ellingham Hall ticked every box.

24th September 2024

Humes Outfitters find the perfect North East Location Venue

Corporate News Private Hire

Humes Outfitters found their perfect North East Location Venue, Ellingham Hall for their Autumn Winter Countrywear Campaign.

24th August 2024

A Grand & Historic Setting for a Relaxed Weekend Wedding

News Real Weddings Summer Weddings Weddings

When Dominic and Mark decided a weekend wedding in Northumberland was their dream, they found their perfect wedding venue, Ellingham Hall.

5th July 2024

Fall in Love with this stunning Autumn Wedding at Ellingham Hall

Autumn Weddings News Real Weddings Weddings

You can’t help but fall in love with Amy & Sean’s perfect autumn wedding at Ellingham Hall in Northumberland.

18th June 2024

Supplier Spotlight – Walk & Woof Dog Wedding Chaperone

Supplier Spotlight

Supplier Spotlight – Jade Mullen, owner of Walk and Woof Dog Services shares what couples can expect when they choose to hire a dog chaperone for their wedding.

We’re the best wedding venue Events Team in North East and Yorkshire again!

TWIA Regional Winner 2023

The Events Team here at Ellingham Hall is celebrating after being crowned Regional Winner for the North East and Yorkshire’s best events team category in The Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA) – for the second year running!

After we picked up the accolade last year, we didn’t really know what our chances would be in such a competitive category.

But thanks to our dedicated team members and our couples amazing feedback, we were handed the title again at a glittering awards ceremony in Gateshead last month.

All of our team members are excited to be recognised for the second year in a row, especially as TWIA uses couples’ feedback before making its awards decisions.

As an exclusive use wedding venue in Northumberland, it is an especially incredible achievement that we have helped the county stand out across the North East and Yorkshire.

Attention to Detail

Front of House Manager, Charlotte Langston, says she is proud of every member of the Front of House team.

Charlotte adds, “They work long and demanding shifts but never miss the attention to detail to ensure that a couple’s vision for their wedding day is fulfilled.

“I have watched the Front of House team grow in their skills and develop their relationships with one another which truly makes our workplace a happy and fun environment to be in. This energy translates to our couples and their guests allowing them to feel at home during their stay.”

A Fantastic Year

General Manager, David Fordham-Scott, says the accolade topped a fantastic year for the Northumberland venue.

“To win this prestigious award title is a real credit to our first class events team. But to win it two years in a row is truly outstanding. TWIA is such a fantastic platform as it is a customer-voted award which recognises the cream of the crop in the wedding industry.

“On a personal level, it gives our couples the confidence to know that they’re in safe hands and on a business level it provides welcome exposure and networking opportunities.

“I’m incredibly proud of not only the events team for achieving this goal, but everyone who works at Ellingham Hall. They are a fantastic team and pull together to ensure our couples experience an unforgettable wedding, which is why they are being deservedly recognised.”

Greatest Reward

Debbie Armstrong, Head of Weddings and Events, says the fact couples take time to nominate the team is the greatest reward for her and her team.

She adds, “We work so hard, paying attention to detail, with many hours spent planning with our couples, to ensure that as part of our Ellingham Hall Family they enjoy a unique and wonderful wedding day.

“From the moment of booking at the very start of their journey, and the excitement that brings to managing anxieties through answering questions, to the final hug before their departure, it is an honour to be part of their cherished forever memory. To have our couples take the time to vote for us through TWIA, and winning two years running, is the greatest reward for myself and my team.”

Icing on the Cake

Executive Head Chef, John Blackmore, says “Winning this award has been the icing on ‘the wedding cake’ for the kitchen team.

“From creating the menus behind the scenes, to serving the dishes on the big day, getting this appreciation from the couples has been a very proud moment for the whole team.”

The team look forward to the National Finals which will take place on Wednesday 25th January and the unique Underglobe Venue in London.

Read more about how Ellingham Hall became TWIA Regional Winner 2023 which featured in Northumberland Gazette.

If you are looking for an award-winning venue to deliver your dream wedding, contact the team at Ellingham Hall today!

Supplier Spotlight – Made Simply Perfect

Ask our Experts – Susan & Glynis

Mother & daughter duo Susan & Glynis, run a multi award-winning family business – Made Simply Perfect, a Northumberland Wedding Event Stylist based in Amble.

We specialise in full Venue Styling, Floristry, Stationery & Finishing Touches and take a huge amount of pride in what we do. With a genuine passion for weddings, we work hard to earn our fantastic reputation for innovative designs and amazing service.

We offer our couples a seamless experience to styling their wedding day, across all elements that factor into the overall look and feel. Using our experience and knowledge, we are there to assist you throughout the planning process, to ensure that our designs not only meet your expectations…but exceed them.

Top Trends for Winter Styling

Winter has amazing advantages when thinking about the styling options for your wedding. Getting to consider the darker, rich & mood colour tones brings a real overall warmth. The dark, shorter days mean you can play with lighting to create a romantic ambience, by using different varieties of candles.

You’ll want to create an inviting warmth to your winter wedding. The weather is very unpredictable and one of the benefits to winter, is you can focus more on what the inside spaces can offer. Richer colours like dark greens, are a popular trend we are seeing for 2023 & 2024 weddings.

Compliment the season in your flowers, by utilising the evergreen varieties of foliage within your arrangements. If you wanted these softened slightly, they couple well with variations of eucalyptus, which brings more contrast and a more textured feel.

You may also consider frosted tones, adding greys to your colour scheme provides a lightness against those richer base colours. Again looking at ways to give your styling layers and not necessarily sticking to one colour and trying to match throughout. We would always recommend a colour palette of at least 3 colours in complimenting tones.

Table Centres

When we talk about a colour palette, you look at what tones go well together to create styling that works across your tables, the ceremony styling and the venue itself.

The rich greens of mixed foliage in your centre display, coupled with tones of grey using tapered candles and napkins look simply exquisite. Then adding warmth by using gold metallic accents across the candlesticks, charger plates & cutlery, really complete the look.

A foliage display filled with winter varieties and adding texture by using the softer sage tones of eucalyptus, gives the dimension of shades. The loose design of the foliage gives way to each variety, falling naturally as they would if grown outdoors and bringing the feeling of the outside, in.

By Candlelight

Going back to the shorter days that winter brings, think about the candlelight you can create within your centrepiece.

Mixing different varieties such as pillar and tapered styles, when using richer colours, really softens the tones and relaxes your guests into their seats. Tapered candles are a great way to add colour to your centrepiece and their delicate appearance lends themselves perfectly to the romance of the day.

If candles do not feature within the centrepiece itself, then by adding tealights to your tables will create an ambience that is a must for winter wedding styling.

Table Styling

Styling your table is not only down to the centrepiece, yes it’s the focal point, but also think about what can compliment it on the rest of your table.

Keeping in line with the trend of your dark greens, you can create a base colour using our Olive Green Chiffon table runner, loosely laid and ruffled along the centre of your table.

Each guests place setting should be well thought out and we’d recommend creating layers for texture. Our Gold Beaded Edge Charger Plates are the first layer, providing a great backdrop and continuing that gold accent from your centrepiece to the outer edge of your table. Adding grey linen napkins adds a lighter tone to the darker Cryptomeria foliage wreath which surrounds the charger plate. This sets a lovely base for our printed stationery cards which in white, goes one step further to increase the lightness overall, so stands out beautifully on each setting.

Remember, always go all out on winter styling and focus your attention to your inside spaces. Your table wants to look inviting, cosy and warm over the winter months.

Chair Styling

A huge trend for 2023/2024 are a variation of dark green fabrics to dress your Ceremony & Wedding Breakfast chairs. The most popular being Forest and Olive green (Pictured: Olive Green).

When thinking about your flowers and foliage, again your chairs styling need to compliment these. In this ceremony set up we have used the richness of the green from the winter foliage and extended this over the chairs using a chiffon drop. The chiffon drops are a soft, sheer fabric that easily offer support to the rest of the décor. A romantic fabric that has a natural drape to it and ruffles softly over each chair.

Choosing Your Winter Flowers

When thinking about what wedding flowers you would like, take as much direction from your florist as you possibly can. The team at Northumberland Wedding Event Stylist co. Made Simply Perfect, have the experience and knowledge needed to direct you on what is great during the winter months and what is not.

Many couples will already know that flowers are seasonal and some varieties are not available all year round. Plus anything requested out of season, if it can be sourced…may not live up to the high quality when in season and may increase in cost.

So, take full advantage of winter varieties, whether that be Ranunculus, Tulips or various other flowers available throughout the winter season or all year round.

If you are looking for a Northumberland Wedding Event Stylist or one based in the North East, contact Made Simply Perfect. If you are planning your dream wedding in Northumberland, contact us to speak to our wedding team today.

A Venue for all Seasons!

At Ellingham Hall it’s not all about Summer, we are a venue for all seasons!

Our stunning Country House with its elegant reception rooms, choice of ceremony spaces, luxury accommodation and 8 acres of picturesque grounds and woodland, make every season equally idyllic for a perfect exclusive two-night wedding celebration.

TWIA Regional Winner 2023

After we picked up the accolade last year, we didn’t really know what our chances would be in such a competitive category.

But thanks to our dedicated team members and our couples amazing feedback, we were handed the title again at a glittering awards ceremony in Gateshead last month.

All of our team members are excited to be recognised for the second year in a row, especially as TWIA uses couples’ feedback before making its awards decisions.

As an exclusive use wedding venue in Northumberland, it is an especially incredible achievement that we have helped the county stand out across the North East and Yorkshire.

Amy & Dave Autumn Wedding

Megan & Shaun Autumn Wedding

Ian & James Autumn Wedding

Lydia & Sean Autumn Wedding

a venue for all seasons - Ellingham Hall

Magical Winter Weddings

A blanket of thick frost or snow, cosy log fires in our front reception rooms and magical indoor lighting, really set the scene for your perfect winter wedding!

The smell of mulled wine fills the air for your wedding reception, and the brides and the bridesmaids look stunning in their winter capes and accessories. The addition of candles and rich warm floral tones set the perfect festive ambience for your winter ceremony and wedding breakfast.

Christmas time at Ellingham Hall really is something special. If you choose to marry during mid-November and before the first week of January, the Hall with be dressed with lavish festive décor and it won’t cost you penny! From the impressive Christmas trees in the front reception rooms to the grand staircase adorned in Christmas finery, it’s will be the festive fairy tale wedding you’ve always dreamed of! On New Year’s Eve, you can again choose a perfect show of fireworks.

Weddings in January and February can give your friends and family something to look forward to in the colder months and gives your wedding a standout, away from the masses in the summer. You’ll also benefit from FREE venue hire, so it’s super-friendly for your budget too.

Chris & Sarah Winter Wedding

Alex & David Winter Wedding

David & Deborah Winter Wedding

Holly & Elliot Winter Wedding

Fresh, Crisp Spring Weddings

When the sunshine returns, the snowdrops begin to bloom and the crisp days grow longer, springtime can be the most beautiful season. With 8 acres of picturesque grounds and woodland to explore, Ellingham Hall is the perfect location for a spring wedding.

This time of year can be ideal for outdoor ceremonies, with more extended hours, but the sun not yet rising to its full summer height. The light can often be softer than summer, which is great for your wedding photos, with no harsh midday sun. The fresh natural tones of whites and greens filter into the pretty table décor and bouquets, and the pastel shades adorn the brides tribe.

March and April both fall into mid-season pricing which is an added bonus, but the real jewel in the crown is the gardens and grounds bursting into life. The peacocks look serene parading the lawns and the blooming daffodils, magnolia and cherry trees really are a stunning spectacle, as you make your way up the picturesque driveway.

Marie & Rob Spring Wedding

Laura & Anthony Spring Wedding

Rebecca & David Spring Wedding

Georgia & Gareth Spring Wedding

Sunkissed Summer Weddings

Summer weddings are always the most sought-after of the year. With sizzling BBQs on the Chapel Terrace and relaxing drinks on the Rooftop Lounge whilst taking in the stunning views of the Northumberland coast; it’s no surprise why.

The gardens are filled with colourful roses and rhododendrons, perfect for romantic strolls and picture perfect couple portraits. Enjoy sunny outdoor ceremonies, with a choice of 3 stunning locations – you’re really spoiled for choice!

Gloriously warm weather, long days and light nights are perfect for outdoor entertaining, and garden games on the lawn are always a hit the night before.

Weddings in the summer fall into peak season pricing, but don’t worry if this is too much of a squeeze for your budget, look at the surrounding months of March, April, Sept & Oct and you can still benefit from glorious weather but for a lower price.

Charlene & Brett Summer Wedding

Cai & Daniel Summer Wedding

Leanne & Joel Summer Wedding

Summer Florals Inspired Shoot

If you’re looking for a venue for all seasons, then contact the team at Ellingham Hall today and come and view this fabulous luxury wedding venue!

How Our Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Dream Came True!

Leanne & Joel

16^th August 2022

Original Wedding Date: 11th April 2020
Second Wedding Date: 14th April 2021

A romantic proposal in the Big Apple inspired Joel and Leanne to use New York as the theme for their wedding breakfast, with each table named after famous places in the city.

Notes from the Bride

Why did you choose Ellingham Hall?

What was your first impression?

As soon as we walked in, we fell in love. We absolutely loved everything about it. And when we found out that you could have a full weekend wedding experience, we thought that would be brilliant.

And did we meet your expectations?

It was even better than I expected! There was a lot of refurbishments that took place at the venue, between the time we booked in 2018 and our wedding in August 2022!

Any standout moments?

The ceremony! The atmosphere was just amazing. Our guests were singing and there was so much confetti – it was outrageous.

So, you created a wedding Instagram account?

If you are searching for the best wedding venues in the North East, contact our wedding planning team today and let us make your wedding dreams come true!

Credits

Photographer – Focal Point Photography

Videographer – Hello There Films

Registrar – Northumberland Registrars

Wedding Dress – Alice Elizabeth Bridal

Flowers – Floral Grace

Décor – The Whole Sch-Bang

MUA – Labelle Vous

Cake – Sugar Chic

Reception Band – Samantha Durnan

Cocktail Hour Music – Glen R Music

Singing Waiters – Waiter Surprise

Evening Band – Hip Operation

A classy, exclusive wedding venue that’s also homely!

Leanne & Joel

16^th August 2022

Original Wedding Date: 11th April 2020
Second Wedding Date: 14th April 2021

A romantic proposal in the Big Apple inspired Joel and Leanne to use New York as the theme for their wedding breakfast, with each table named after famous places in the city.

Notes from the Bride

Why did you choose Ellingham Hall?

What was your first impression?

As soon as we walked in, we fell in love. We absolutely loved everything about it. And when we found out that you could have a full weekend wedding experience, we thought that would be brilliant.

And did we meet your expectations?

It was even better than I expected! There was a lot of refurbishments that took place at the venue, between the time we booked in 2018 and our wedding in August 2022!

Any standout moments?

The ceremony! The atmosphere was just amazing. Our guests were singing and there was so much confetti – it was outrageous.

So, you created a wedding Instagram account?

If you are searching for the best wedding venues in the North East, contact our wedding planning team today and let us make your wedding dreams come true!

Credits

Photographer – Focal Point Photography

Videographer – Hello There Films

Registrar – Northumberland Registrars

Wedding Dress – Alice Elizabeth Bridal

Flowers – Floral Grace

Décor – The Whole Sch-Bang

MUA – Labelle Vous

Cake – Sugar Chic

Reception Band – Samantha Durnan

Cocktail Hour Music – Glen R Music

Singing Waiters – Waiter Surprise

Evening Band – Hip Operation

We’re TWIA Regional Finalists for a second year!

TWIA Regional Winner 2023

After we picked up the accolade last year, we didn’t really know what our chances would be in such a competitive category.

But thanks to our dedicated team members and our couples amazing feedback, we were handed the title again at a glittering awards ceremony in Gateshead last month.

All of our team members are excited to be recognised for the second year in a row, especially as TWIA uses couples’ feedback before making its awards decisions.

As an exclusive use wedding venue in Northumberland, it is an especially incredible achievement that we have helped the county stand out across the North East and Yorkshire.

Magical Winter Weddings

A blanket of thick frost or snow, cosy log fires in our front reception rooms and magical indoor lighting, really set the scene for your perfect winter wedding!

Kat comes home for her Fairy Tale Wedding!

Leanne & Joel

16^th August 2022

Original Wedding Date: 11th April 2020
Second Wedding Date: 14th April 2021

A romantic proposal in the Big Apple inspired Joel and Leanne to use New York as the theme for their wedding breakfast, with each table named after famous places in the city.

Notes from the Bride

Why did you choose Ellingham Hall?

What was your first impression?

As soon as we walked in, we fell in love. We absolutely loved everything about it. And when we found out that you could have a full weekend wedding experience, we thought that would be brilliant.

And did we meet your expectations?

It was even better than I expected! There was a lot of refurbishments that took place at the venue, between the time we booked in 2018 and our wedding in August 2022!

Any standout moments?

The ceremony! The atmosphere was just amazing. Our guests were singing and there was so much confetti – it was outrageous.

So, you created a wedding Instagram account?

If you are searching for the best wedding venues in the North East, contact our wedding planning team today and let us make your wedding dreams come true!

Credits

Photographer – Focal Point Photography

Videographer – Hello There Films

Registrar – Northumberland Registrars

Wedding Dress – Alice Elizabeth Bridal

Flowers – Floral Grace

Décor – The Whole Sch-Bang

MUA – Labelle Vous

Cake – Sugar Chic

Reception Band – Samantha Durnan

Cocktail Hour Music – Glen R Music

Singing Waiters – Waiter Surprise

Evening Band – Hip Operation

Supplier Spotlight – Dru Dodd

Ask our Experts – Susan & Glynis

Mother & daughter duo Susan & Glynis, run a multi award-winning family business – Made Simply Perfect, a Northumberland Wedding Event Stylist based in Amble.

Table Centres

When we talk about a colour palette, you look at what tones go well together to create styling that works across your tables, the ceremony styling and the venue itself.

2. Don’t be late

Aim to be ready with some time before the ceremony, or before you or your photographer need to leave for it. Rushing for the ceremony will leave you flustered, and you won’t take in the first few moments of the big occasion.

Being ready beforehand gives you time to get photographs in your dress and with your bridesmaids.

I’m saying this twice because it’s really important: Don’t be late. The time just before the ceremony is one of the most precious moments of your life. Being late has knock-on effects for the rest of your day and invariably it’s your photo time that gets cut.

3. Buttonholes for Bridegrooms

Despite its name, it doesn’t go through your buttonhole…it should be pinned to your left lapel a couple of inches below the buttonhole. If you can’t get it right, your lovely wedding planners at Ellingham Hall will be happy to put it right for you!

4. The Ceremony

Find out the photo policy of your venue asap. Some ban all photography, some allow it from the very back, and some don’t allow your photographer to enter the building during the ceremony. For many, the photographs of the exchanging of vows and rings are the most important part of a photo story. Don’t leave it until the day to find out, or you might be left disappointed.

At Ellingham they work with Northumberland Registrars, who have no photo restrictions. They offer many indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, which all create different vibes for your wedding photographs.

5. Here come the Bridesmaids!

Think your entrance through carefully. Are your bridesmaids going before you? Give them time to get up the aisle and into their seats before you take your turn.

You are going to look amazing; your fiancé wants to get a clear view of you because it will be one of their favourite memories, and photographs.

Let your bridesmaids have their moment, but don’t let them block your big moment! The wedding planners at Ellingham set the bridesmaids away with an even gap, which provides a great opportunity for the photographer to capture those all-important shots.

6. Last to arrive, first to leave

You’ll be the last person to arrive to the ceremony and as newlyweds you’ll be the first to leave. You’ll head outside while all your guests slowly follow to congratulate you both and before you know it, your whole wedding party is backed up in a queue.

This can eat up time straight after the ceremony, which is crucial for getting your formal photos done. Best advice is, once you’re outside, move around the crowd sharing hugs, to allow your guests to filter out quickly, as your photographer gets your confetti shot set up.

At Ellingham Hall, they take this into consideration and take you both away into the bar area and allow the party to flow outside, ready to greet the couple with confetti.

7. The Confetti Shots

The confetti shot is that moment, captured for eternity. It is the most common photograph shared on anniversaries years after the wedding. Why? Because the confetti shot shows so much emotion. It’s a traditional shot but it’s not often on guests’ list of items to bring along so it’s worth buying confetti yourself.

Make sure you know what the venue will allow. At Ellingham Hall they only permit biodegradable or flower petals, so do make sure you buy the right confetti.

Let your photographer arrange a nice long aisle of guests for you to walk up and then walk up slowly, take your time, let it shower you!

8. Frustration Free Formals

The formal photographs can take quite an effort to get people in the right place at the right time, when time is of the essence. Make a list of who you would like in each photograph and get it to your photographer. This is something I help with. Also think of people who could help on the day, who know a lot of your guests and can get them to the photographer quickly when needed. Start big and get progressively smaller, down to the VIPs. Doing this can save you up to half an hour!

If you place a list of the numbered groups on display or into your order of service, you can create extra time for yourselves on your wedding day.

9. Rain shouldn’t stop play

Always have a wet weather contingency for your group photos. Ask your venue if it’s raining, where your photographer can take you and your guests for the photos. You should plan for 2 weddings in the most part: a sunny wedding and a wet wedding.

Ellingham Hall is an all-weather venue which makes a huge difference, so if it’s raining outside there are plenty of spaces within the Hall for all your formal shots without any disruption to your wedding day. This isn’t the case with all venues.

10. Grandparents

If you have any of your grandparents at your wedding, then you are wealthy beyond measure. I love to give grandparents special attention so get them in amongst your group photos and I’ll do images with them separately with you. A photo together will make their day as well as yours.

11. Take your Seats

Spare a thought for the photographs and how you want this to be documented, when you’re planning your wedding reception room layout and running order.

The norm is to have your wedding breakfast 2 hours after the start of your ceremony. Adding an extra 30 minutes to that time will make a huge difference to your group photos and the mingling time you will have before sitting down for your meal.

12. Speeches

I recommend having your speeches before you eat, as it takes pressure off the speakers and allows them to relax and enjoy their meal. This time is also when most of the ‘candids’ of your guests will be taken. You want your tables to look stunning, rather than messy with napkins and empty bottles lying around.

You may not have control over the position of your top table, but try and face the largest window or light source. If you sit in front of a window then a lot of your photos of the top table will be against pure white back drops, rather than the beautiful surroundings. At Ellingham Hall, the Chapel wedding breakfast space has the original high stone windows so regardless of your top table position, you don’t get any unwanted glare.

13. Videographers

I’ve been photographing weddings for over 10 years now and have encountered videographers of all styles and persuasions. If you want relaxed, mainly candid photography then it’s not a good idea to book a hands-on videographer who will direct your wedding in scenes. It’s highly recommended that you consult your photographer as to who they would recommend.

I’m lucky to know some unbelievably talented videographers, who also know how I work. Together, as a team, we can produce photos and a movie that you will cherish forever without us battling for the same piece of flooring or standing in each other’s way! Ask who’s the best in the business.

14. Throwing light on the subject

What time of year are you getting married? A summer wedding will have many hours of sunlight left after you’ve finished eating. An autumn wedding will see very limited light after the meal and a winter wedding will see the sun set during your meal.

If you want to catch that epic light, then speeches first is definitely a wise idea as you can sneak out as soon as you’ve had your desert and make the most of the sunset light. It’s not something a photographer has any influence over, so you need to take the sunlight when it’s at its best.

15. The Night

Taking good photographs in the dark isn’t easy, so find a photographer that knows how to create their own light to make dramatic, dynamic photographs.

I want to make you look like movie stars and your photos, like stills from a Hollywood film. But you shouldn’t need to be working like actors to achieve this! It’s my job to be doing the hard graft, lighting scenes and capturing your love, joy and happiness.

At Ellingham Hall you’re spoiled for choice for stunning settings to capture those moments both day and night.

If you are looking for a Northumberland wedding photographer or one based in the North East, contact Dru Dodd Photography . If you are planning your dream wedding in Northumberland, contact us to speak to our wedding team today.

A poignant moment makes woodland wedding special!

Leanne & Joel

16^th August 2022

Original Wedding Date: 11th April 2020
Second Wedding Date: 14th April 2021

A romantic proposal in the Big Apple inspired Joel and Leanne to use New York as the theme for their wedding breakfast, with each table named after famous places in the city.

What was your first impression?

As soon as we walked in, we fell in love. We absolutely loved everything about it. And when we found out that you could have a full weekend wedding experience, we thought that would be brilliant.

And did we meet your expectations?

It was even better than I expected! There was a lot of refurbishments that took place at the venue, between the time we booked in 2018 and our wedding in August 2022!

While the couple live in Northumberland, guests travelled from around the world including America, Switzerland and Germany to attend our wedding venue. Even those closer to home appreciated having exclusive use of Ellingham Hall.

“My mam and dad stayed in one of the cottages and they picked it because it was like a really homely, nice place to be. They said it felt like a bit of a holiday as well,” explains Jack.

Having exclusive use of the venue was another reason their wedding felt so special, the couple say.

Jack says, “Other venues are usually churning out wedding after wedding, with sometimes two or three on the same day. We wanted the place to ourselves because we knew we were going to have lots of our friends and family there and we wanted it to be a special and intimate celebration.”

“We didn’t want to see random people walking past. We wanted it to be about us and our family and our friends and not have anybody else there,” adds Emma.

If you are searching for the best wedding venues in the North East, contact our wedding planning team today and let us make your wedding dreams come true!

Credits

Photographer – Focal Point Photography

Videographer – Hello There Films

Registrar – Northumberland Registrars

Wedding Dress – Alice Elizabeth Bridal

Flowers – Floral Grace

Décor – The Whole Sch-Bang

MUA – Labelle Vous

Cake – Sugar Chic

Reception Band – Samantha Durnan

Cocktail Hour Music – Glen R Music

Singing Waiters – Waiter Surprise

Evening Band – Hip Operation